Removably attachable flexible reciprocating transmission and means for removably attaching reciprocating tools thereto



y 1951 R 'L. lvl cuLLocl-l 2553,463

REMOVABLY ATTACHABLE FLEXIBLE RECIPROCATING TRANSMISSION AND MEANS FOR REMOVABLY ATTACHING RECIPROCATING TOOLS THERETO Filed April 5, 1947 I 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 [NVEN T 01?.

Bye] LEe/M GuZZm L May 15, 1951 R. L. M CULLOCH 2,553, 63

REMOVABLY ATTACHABLE FLEXIBLE RECIPROCATING TRANSMISSION N MEANS FOR REMOVABLY ATTACHING RECIPROCATING TOOLS THERETQ Filed April 5, 1947 Z'Sheets-SheetZ INI/EIVTDR.

Rqyej LeeM-Uulloch 7a gttarney Patented May 15, 1951 "UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,553,463 REMOVAB Y' A f frAoH BLE FLEXIBLE RE'oiP'RooA'rING TRANSMISSION AND MEANS FQRBEMOVABLY ATTACHING REOIPROCATING TOOLS THERETO Roger Lee'McGulloch, Monmouth, Ill. A plicant's A'prii 3, 194.7,Sria1N6. 739,588

claims. 1

My inventionconsists of an attachment, of accessory, which will adapt for use various farm tools requiring a reciprocating action, so that the power take-off will be supplied by' a power mower or garden tractor.

An important object of my invention is to ro: vide means for harnessing the'jsickle bar of a garden mower, through a flexible transmission providing recipi'ocatory action, to a series of garden tools, such as rakes, hoes, a pruning saw, and a hedge-cutting attachment.

An important object of my invention is to provide means for quickly and detacl'i'ably se' curing a flexible transmission means to'the sickle bar, or to the" reciprocating element, of a garden implement.

A further object of my invention is to provide means for quickly attaching, or detaching,- a series of tools to'the other end, or' to the free end, of the said flexible transmission means;

A further object of my invention is' to' m; vide, in combination, a means for quickly" and detachably, securing a flexible transmission means to'a reciprocating element of a machine, in combination with means for quickly and detacl'iably securing to thefree erid of the said flexible" transmission means, a multiplicity of tools which may be interchangeably secured to V'ide'a pruning" attachment which canbe maliiip' attaching means; as heretoforementiofiflj which is simple inconstructio'n, practical far the iiiirf-' poses for which it'is to be used, and of such simple, elemental construction as to warrant economical manufacture" thereof in quantity production;

Other features, objects, and ancillary advafi=' tag'es inherent inm'y invention willbecomeaji'f parent from an examination of the'alc'c'ompany irig drawings, bearing further elucidation m the ensuing" description; wherein like symbols are" used to designate like parts, and in" which? 2 Fig. 1' is a perspective view showing a garden mower to which my invention is secured. Fig. 2 is an enlarged top View of that portion of the ii' cwer to which the means for ma ing the flexible reciprocating transmission is clearly di e Fig. 3 is a view looking in the direction of arrows 3 3 of Fig. 2. Fig. 4' is a fragmentary, enlarged view of one portion of the attaching means, oi of one see; tin of the attaching means, as seen' when out across the sectional lines locking in the direc ti'o'n' of the" arrows 3 4 of Fig. 2. ,l v

Fig. 5 is a cross=sectional View taken substaifi tially on the lines 5'-5' of Fig. 2. a

Fig. 6 is an end View of Fig. 4 the view being taken as' seen'from the" left of Fig. 4. v Fig"; 7 is a top view of the hedge-cutter at-= ta'clinient secured to the flexible transmission;

Fig. 8 is asectional View taken substantially on" the lines e s 0: Fig. 7, the said View being revolved in order to accommodate the same oritlie"sheet of drawings. I I,

Fig. 9 is a front View of a pruning atta'hj merit, a device which may be interchangeably secured" to the transmission means comprising" iny; invention. I 1 I a s h Fig. 10 is a sectional View taken substantially on the lines l8it of Fig. 92

Fig; 11' is a sectional view of the attaching means for quickly, readily, and dtachably se during various tools, or instrumentalities, tothe free" end of m transmission constru tion;

Fig. 12 is a tdii View cf Fig. 5' in Slightly" re: dudes scan. 7 Fig. 13 is asectional view'takensubstantially oii' sidelines |s" |s ofFig. 11.

Fig. 14. is a; sectional view taken substantially on the lines M"M of Fig. 11.

Fig. 15is'on'e'iorrri of hoe" attachment which may be quickly and detachably secured to'fl'lnc tion at the free end or my tiansfiiissionmeafis,

and

Fig. 16 is: view of another rbrin of" hoe at?" taclim'ent which maybe rised inconnection witH' my transmission structure.

Referring to the various views, in Fig. l, I indicate" pi' sfiecj iva' garden IfiOifi/i, WHiCH is generally designated i8, andhas a stationary, tootiiedbarais am a retiprdcatmg orm'oifable sicklebar' 2s; so" as to" mew a lawn, grass; or" siniilai'i growth; cios'e'to the ground. T6 tn bars" 59"afid 25!, the ccnnec ing means, genailly' d'sgnatewz'r andccmssirig apart (if I J in? vet-tics; are" secureds'o to afiord'ir'iit'ial'" connection for providing reciprocatory motion to the flexible, sheathed transmission or shaft, generally designated 22; the free end thereof receiving securably and removably the hedgecutting attachment 23 for trimming hedges Ill. The combination of the interchangeably attachable tools, designated 23, the transmission 22, and the connecting means 2| to the power takeoff, or power source of supply, comprises my invention; that combination is generally designated ll.

Thus, it can be seen in Fig. 1 that the hedgecutter 23 would be operated by holding the end of the transmission 22 in one hand 24, and holding the reciprocating member of the hedgecutter 23 in the other hand 24 and, with both hands, manipulating the same in accordance with the amount of hedge that is to be trimmed, the device being guided over the various portions of the hedge III for trimming as desired.

Referring to Figs. 1-6 inclusive, the structure 2| for initially securing the flexible transmission is indicated. The stationary blade IQ of the mower I8 has secured thereto the fitting or bracket 31 being firmly secured by screws 38, and being permanently located thereon, so as to afford ready attaching means when the transmission and its attachments are to be utilized. Otherwise, the bracket remains permanently attached to the stationary blade I9 and the sickle bar 20. The stationary blade I9 is provided with a series of teeth I9, which are recessed centrally as indicated, in order to accommodate and 7 permit the reciprocatory action of the teeth on the movable sickle bar 20.

It is to be noted that the sickle bar 29 is provided with raised protuberances 42, which are guided in their reciprocatory action within the lugs 4|. The lugs 4| are extensions of the brackets 39, the brackets 33 being rigidly secured in place and attached to the stationary bar l9 by means of cap screws 40, or other suitable fastenings. To the sickle bar 23 is attached a U-shaped bracket 26 through the center of which the movable element 25, which is pivotably secured, functions and causes the sickle bar to be reciprocated back and forth inasmuch as the movable element is subjected to a radial, intermittent, and reciprocating movement.

The sheath 55 of the transmission means furnishes a housing for the reciprocating flexible transmission 54, the same extending through to furnish the free end 32 to which the securing pin 33 is attached. The bracket 2'! is provided with an extension 28 which is riveted or firmly secured in place by means of rivets 29, and attached to the sickle bar 20. The said bracket 21 is provided with a pocket 36, a hinge pin 35 being driven therethrough in order to hold pivotably the movable closure 3|. The closure 3| is provided with an opening 34, so as to lock the pin 33 firmly in place and effectuate security between the movable sickle bar 20, the bracket 21, and the terminus 32 of the flexible shaft 54. The closure 3|, by virtue of its lower surface 30, confines the rod 32.

The end 32 passes through the bracket 31, which has a dove-tailed slot 49 therein, in order to accommodate the bifurcated dove-tailed slide 48, which is adapted to fit over the threaded studs 45, the slotted portion 44 fitting thereover. The studs 45 are provided with a reduced extension 41, which may be welded to the bracket 31 or otherwise firmly secured, and extend into the raised section 45 which also furnishes central guidance to the dove-tailed slide 48 so as to firmly secure it in place, and retain it against resultant vibration from the reciprocating action to follow. The bifurcated slide 48 is clamped down firmly in place by wing nuts 43. The slide element 48 is provided with the bearing extension at, which houses a greasing pocket 5| in order to provide sufficient lubrication for the reciprocating flexible shaft 54. At the upper end of the extension 55, a grease cup 53 is provided and enclosed by the knurled cap 52, which is removed when it is desired to fill the pocket 5| with grease or suitable lubricant. V

In Figs. 7 and 8, I show one of the attachments, namely a hedge-cutter, secured to the other end of the transmission means, and it can be seen that the free end of the said transmission means, and on the sheath 55, has connected thereto a chuck 56, a flexible union to a bushing 58, the flexible connection comprisin a springlike structure 51 so as to permit universal manipulation of the hedge-cutter, or other similar instrumentality which may be secured to the bushing 58, at the same time preventing the said flexible portion from being bent to a sharp angle which might result in breakage. To thebushing 58, the hedge-cutter bracket 59 is secured by means of a bayonet joint 55, more clearly exemplified in Fig. 12. A lock-nut 64 securing the same in place and a grease cup 66 provides lubrication at this point, like the one shown at the extension 50 heretofore recited. The bracket 59 has a bushing 63 which is removably secured to the bushing 58 by means of bayonet lock 85.

The hedge-cutter bracket55 is held in place securely by cap screws 65 to the stationary bar 10 of my hedge-cutter, the same having a handle portion 1! to afford convenient grip to one hand of an operator. The said stationary bar it is provided with teeth 12, which are centrally recessed as indicated in Fig. 8, in order to accommodate the teeth 73 of the movable sickle bar therein.

Inthis case, the hedge-cutter is provided with guiding lips 5| secured to brackets 69 rigidly secured to the stationary bar 15, and projections 62, guided under the said lips 6|, for furnishing a true and smooth movement to the sickle bar and proper guidance therefor in its reciprocatory movements. The connection 63 is firmly secured to an ear or lug 51, having an enlarged head 63 of the connecting rod 69 secured thereto, the said head 68 being welded or otherwise firmly secured to the ear 61. Thus, the hedge-cutter may be removed by loosening the wing nut 64, and rotating the hedge-cutter in order to free it from the bayonet lock 65 and also from the locking means, shown in Fig. 12, which consists of a bushing 14 to which the shaft 54 is firmly attached. The said bushin 74 is suitably recessed and slotted to house therein the pivotably movable levers 15 which articulate about the pivot points it, and have lower extremities or hooks 11 so as'to reach under the shoulders formed below the head 82 of the reciprocating shaft 83.

A bushing H2, similar to the part 63, and the bayonet locking means 55 therein which cooperates with the pin '18 is secured to the element 2, and the locking thumb screw 64 for securing the same in place simultaneously with the threading in and locking of the member 2 to the bushing H3. The head 82, when moving inwardly, deflects outwardly the hooks H and,

after passing them, its bottom shoulder locks against the hooks TI, the same being urged normally in the position, indicated in full lines in Fig. 12, by means of the centrally positioned spring I9; the said spring urging the levers I5 outwardly.

'Io free the head 82, pins 86 are depressed, in the finger clearance openings 8!, so as to spread the hook portions 'I'I permitting the shaft 83 to be withdrawn from engagement, subsequent to loosening the locking means 64 to free the bayonet locking arrangement 65, so that the tool 86, or the hedge-cutter 59, may be disassembled or removed. In this case, in Fig. 12, I show a rake 86, with suitable tines for purposes for which it is to be used, being secured to the shaft 83 by means of screws 8'1; the shaft 83 being preferably flattened out, as indicated at 85, in order to furnish rigid security to the rake 86. Shafts similar to shaft 83 may be provided, to which are attached the triangular type of hoe 89, or the trapezoidal type of hoe 38, or the pruning arrangement exemplified and indicated in Figs. 9 and 10. In this case, a tubular section 98 is Similarly secured by means of the bayonet lock and the hook levers '15 as heretofore recited. This tubular element 90 may be several feet in length in order to reach limbs on various heights on a tree. The tubular element 95 is provided with lug IN, to which a manipulating or holding handle 92 is secured, having finger notches 93, so that it may be firmly held in the hand to be controlled, and the action of the pruning device rigidly governed in View of its length. The tubular element til, through its ears 9i, has a guide rod I63 which is provided for manipulating the gripping element 9?, which is bifurcated and consists of the tines Hi9 and I It, is of arcuate configuration with teeth 93, as indicated, so as to grip trees 99, or limbs, 01' branches IE2 of various sizes. The same is pivotably secured to the tubular element 96 at 96 terminating in the extension Q5 which is also suitably open, as indicated at 101, in order to be firmly secured against the flats m6, terminating at the angular portion I08, limiting the movement of the said tines I09 and H0, so that the crotch therebetween will not strike the saw teeth of the saw IUD. The saw ItIt is secured to the support IIlI which is subjected to reciprocatory movements.

Normally, the bifurcated gripper 9'5 is urged toward the saw and, in order for it to straddle the diameter of a tree or branch, it is necessary that the same be opened; for this purpose, I provide the guide rod I63 pivotably secured to the extension I55 at I64 and, having a manipulating handle H35, which when pushed inwardly, will cause the bifurcated gripper 9'! to be moved outwardly to the full lines indicated; in normal position, being shown in dotted lines. The spring 94, which is anchored to the extension 95 and to the extension 9|, urges the said gripper 9i toward the dotted position indicated.

Referring once again to Fig. 12, when the attachment is secured by virtue of the bayonet look-'- ing device, heretofore recited, and the locking pawls, or levers I5, the bushing HI is thus caused to intermittently reciprocate, the pocket 84 affording sufficient clearance for the reciprocating movement of the locking pawls I5 therein, so that the rake or hedge-cutter will be subjected to reciprocatory motion.

The hedge-cutter may be removed by releasing the bayonet locking, means and also the lever locking means I5, as heretofore recited, and other 6. instrumentalities secured in its place, or the transmission 22 may be completely removed from assembly with the sickle bar structure 20 and the stationary bar IQ of the garden mower I8, by disconnecting the slide is from the bracket 31, and by disconnecting the end 32 of the flexible transmission from the pivotable clamping means 3 I. The fixtures or brackets 21 and 31 mayremain permanently attached, and the garden mower I8 may be used, its use not being impaired by the said brackets remaining attached thereto, nor in any way impeding its efficient function and operation.

I believe that I have herein described, rather succinctly, the nature and the operation as well as the construction and use of my invention, so-

that those skilled in the art will have no difficulty in grasping the import thereof and, inasmuch as the same is susceptible of modifications, alterations, and improvements, I hereby reserve the right to all modifications, alterations, and improvements coming within the scope and spirit of my invention, as well as any that may be embraced, impliably or suggestively, within the view of the accompanying drawings, and any improvements and modifications that lie within the purview of the foregoing description; my invention to be limited only by the subjoined claims.

Having thus described and revealed my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is:

1. In combination, reciprocating means consist-- ing of a stationary element and a reciprocating element, flexible shaft transmission means encased in a sheath, bracket means securing one end of the said sheath. to the said stationary element, bracket connecting. means removably securing one end of, the saidflexible shaft. transmission.

means to the said. reciprocating. element, reciproeating tool means removably attachable to the free end of the said flexible shaft transmission means, and means for removably and interchangeably securing the said reciprocating tool means to. the said flexible shaft transmission means.

2. In a device of the character described in-- cluding, reciprocating means consisting of a stationary element and a reciprocating element, flexible shaft transmission means encased in a sheath, bracket means securing one end of the said sheath to the said stationary element, bracket connecting means removably securing one end of the said flexible shaft transmission means to the said reciprocating element, reciprocating tool means removably attachable to the free end of the said flexible shaft transmission means, and means for removably and interchangeably securing the said reciprocating tool means to the said flexible shaft transmission means.

3. In combination, reciprocating means consisting of a stationary element and a reciprocating element, flexible shaft transmission means encased in a sheath, bracket means securing one end of the said sheath to the said stationary ele- ;ment, bracket connecting means removably securing one end of the said flexible shaft transmission means to the said reciprocating element, reciprocating tool means removably attachable to the free end of the said flexible shaft transmission means, and means for removably and interchangeably securing the said reciprocating tool means to the said flexible shaft transmission means, the said' last mentioned means, compris ing, bushing meanssecured to the other end of the said sheath, an adapter bracket; bayonet locking means securing the said adapter bracket to the said bushing means, and spring urged pawl means in the said sheath for releasably attaching the said flexible shaft transmission means to the said reciprocating tool means.

4. In a device of the character described including, reciprocating means consisting of a stationary element and a reciprocating element, flexible shaft transmission means encased in a sheath, bracket means securing one end of the said sheath to the said stationary element, bracket connecting means removably securing one end of the said flexible shaft transmission means to the said reciprocating element, reciprocating tool means removably attachable to the free end of the said flexible shaft transmission means, and means for removably and interchangeably securing the said reciprocating tool means to the said flexible shaft transmission means, the said last mentioned means comprising, bushing means secured to the other end of the said sheath, an adapter bracket, bayonet locking means securing the said adapter bracket to the said bushing means, and spring urged pawl means in the said sheath for reieasably attaching the said flexible shaft transmission means to the said reciprocating tool means.

5. In combination, reciprocating means consisting of a stationary element and a reciprocating element, flexible shaft transmission means encased in a sheath, bracket means securing one end of the said sheath to the said stationary element, bracket connecting means removably securing one end of the said flexible shaft transmission means to the said reciprocating element, reciprocating tool means removably attachable to the free end of the said flexible shaft transmission means, and means for removably and interchangeably securing the said reciprocating tool means to the said flexible shaft transmission means, the said last mentioned means comprising, bushing means secured to the other end of the said sheath, an adapter bracket, bayonet locking means securing the said adapter bracket to the said bushing means, and spring urged pawl means in the said sheath for releasably attaching the said flexible shaft transmission means to the said reciprocating tool means, the said reciprocating tool means provided with a head portion releasably engageable by the said pawl means.

6. In a device of the character described including, reciprocating means consisting of a stationary element and a reciprocating element,

flexible shaft transmission means encased in a sheath, bracket means securing one end of the said sheath to the said stationary element, bracket connecting means removably securing one end of the said flexible shaft transmission means to the said reciprocating element, reciprocating tool means removably attachable to the free end of the said flexible shaft transmission means, and means for removably and interchangeably securing the said reciprocating tool means to the said flexible shaft transmission means, the said last mentioned means comprising, bushing means secured to the other end of the said sheath, an adapter bracket, bayonet locking means securing the said adapter bracket to the said bushing means, and spring urged pawl means in the said sheath for releasably attaching the said flexible shaft transmission means to the said reciprocating tool means, the said reciprocating tool means provided with a head portion releasably engageable by the said pawl means.

7. In combination, reciprocating means conisting of a stationary element and a reciprocating element, flexible shaft transmissionmeans encased in a sheath, bracket means securing one end of the said sheath to the said stationary element, bracket connecting means removably securing one end of the said flexible shaft transmission means to the said reciprocating element, reciprocating tool means removably attachable to the free end of the said flexible shaft transmission means, and means for removably and interchangeably securing the said reciprocating tool means to the said flexible shaft transmission means, the said last mentioned means comprising, bushing means secured to the other end of the said sheath, an adapter bracket, bayonet locking means securing the said adapter bracket to the said bushing means, and spring urged pawl means the said sheath for releasably attaching the said flexible shaft transmission means to the said reciprocating tool means, the said reciprocating tool means provided with a head portion releasably engageable by the said pawl means, and means for releasing the said head portion from engagement by the said pawl means.

8. In a device of the character described including, reciprocating means consisting of a stationary element and a reciprocating element, flexible shaft transmission means encased in a sheath, bracket means securing one end of the said sheath to the said stationary element, bracket connecting means removably securing one end of the said flexible shaft transmission means to the said reciprocating element, reciprocating tool means removably attachable to the free end of the said flexible shaft transmission means, and means for removably and interchangeably securing the said reciprocating tool means to the said flexible shaft transmission means, the said last mentioned means comprising, bushing means secured to the other end of said sheath, an adapter bracket, bayonet locking means securing the said adapter bracket to the said bushing means,

and spring urged pawl means in the said sheathfor releasably attaching the said flexible shaft transmission means to the said reciprocating tool means, the said reciprocating tool means provided with a head portion releasably engageable by the said pawl means, and means for releasing the said head portion from engagement by the said pawl means.

9. In combination, reciprocating means consisting of a stationary element and a reciprocating element, flexible shaft transmission means encased in a sheath, bracket means securing one end of the said sheath to the said stationary element, bracket connecting means removably securing one end of the said flexible shaft transmission means to the said reciprocating element, reciprocating tool means removably attachable to the free end of the said flexible shaft transmission means, and means for removably and interchangeably securing the said reciprocating tool means to the said flexible shaft transmission means, the said last mentioned means comprising, bushing means secured to the other end of the said sheath, an adapter bracket, bayonet locking means securing the said adapter bracket to the said bushing means, and spring urged pawl means in the said sheath for releasably attaching the said flexible shaft transmission means to the said reciprocating tool means, the

said reciprocating tool means provided with a head portion releasably engageable by the said pawl means, and means for releasing the said head portion from engagement by the said pawl means, the said bayonet locking means and the said spring urged pawl means being constructed and arranged to function simultaneously.

10. In a device of the character described including, reciprocating means consisting of a stationary element and a reciprocating element, flexible shaft transmission means encased in a sheath, bracket means securing one end of the said sheath to the said stationary element, bracket connecting means removably securing one end of the said flexible shaft transmission means to the said reciprocating element, reciprocating tool means removably attachable to the free end of the said flexible shaft transmission means, and means for removably and interchangeably securing the said reciprocating tool means to the said flexible shaft transmission means, the said last mentioned means comprising, bushing means secured to the other end of the said sheath, an adapter bracket, bayonet locking means securing the said adapter bracket to the said bushing means, and spring urged pawl means in the said sheath for releasably attaching the said flexible shaft transmission means to the said reciprocating tool means, the said reciprocating tool means provided with a head portion releasably engageable by the said pawl means, and means for releasing the said head portion from engagement by the said pawl means, the said bayonet looking means and the said spring urged pawl means being constructed and arranged to function simultaneously.

ROGER LEE MCCULLOCH.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,841,008 Burn Jan. 12, 1932 2,027,755 Szal Jan. 14, 1936 2,145,161 Douglas Jan. 24, 1939 2,202,860 McPhee et a1 June 4, 1940 2,210,733 Schmid et a1. Aug. 6, 1940 2,220,382 Zimmerman Nov. 5, 1940 2,284,517 Fink May 26, 1942 2,369,512 Zahodiakin Feb. 13, 1945 

